Recognising that while aquaculture production is on the rise worldwide, in the EU it hasn’t grown since 2018, the European Commission has initiated a new Union-wide campaign to raise awareness and change perceptions, including its role in food security and local economies.
Called “EU aquaculture: We work for you with passion”, the campaign has identified that among the main obstacles for the growth of aquaculture in the EU are the lack of social acceptance for new aquaculture sites and insufficient awareness of the importance and benefits of this activity for EU citizens. It was developed in collaboration with the bloc’s member states and the Aquaculture Advisory Council.
Its goal, therefore, is to help increase understanding and support for the development of aquaculture in the EU by showcasing the people behind the industry – aquaculture producers – and their role in sustainable food production and in the communities where they live and work.
Over the coming months, it will showcase the dedication and commitment of those producers to sustainable aquaculture and to providing high-quality products. It will also show the benefits of developing this activity in the EU, such as reducing its dependence on imports by increasing domestic production.
Introducing the initiative in March, EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis said the story of aquaculture in the European Union is one of opportunity, resilience and sustainability.
“This is a sector that is a source of high-quality, nutritious food; produced close to home, close to EU consumers, and with a low carbon footprint,” he said. “It is also a sector that is vital for supporting rural and coastal communities across the Union, often in places where job opportunities are few and far. But more than that, it is a sector driven by people – by their hands, their knowledge, and, above all, by their passion.”
The campaign, Kadis said, honours the people behind EU aquaculture – dedicated producers – often who bring their passion and expertise to work every day. As such, it has put a handful of producers – or “Aquaculture Ambassadors” – at the heart of this campaign.
The Commissioner said: “If you ask, most people will be able to describe a farmer – who they are and what they do. But the same cannot be said of aquaculture producers. If you ask, many people will draw a blank. This is something we need to change, and it will change. This campaign, therefore, focuses on giving our aquaculture producers, our aquaculture farmers, a voice and visibility.”
Industry voices
Among the Aquaculture Ambassadors, who will be publicly sharing their stories, challenges and successes over the coming months are: Caroline Scotti, a mussel farmer in France; Philipp Mohnen, a trout producer in Germany, Anna Kaloumenou, a seabass and seabream producer in Greece; and Eduardo Soler Torres, a meagre farmer in Spain.
“Through their voices, you will see that aquaculture is often more than just a profession. It is a way of life – a calling. Driven by passion. Their stories highlight how aquaculture keeps their families and communities working, keeping them alive,” Kadis said.
He added that the campaign will show Europeans how aquaculture embraces tradition, while constantly evolving through innovation.
“Whether it is using advanced technology to improve the production process, embracing new techniques to reduce environmental impact, or preserving local species and ecosystems, EU aquaculture is at the forefront of sustainable and competitive food production.”
Conceding that EU citizens are largely unaware how farmed aquatic foods are produced and the “rigorous standards” that European producers must follow to ensure food safety, animal health and environmental responsibility, the Commissioner said the campaign invites them to take a closer look and embrace the opportunities that aquaculture can bring to their communities.
“It is an invitation to learn more and to support EU aquaculture as an activity that allows them to eat healthy, local and sustainable food, while helping our coastal and rural communities thrive,” he said.
Moving forward, Kadis insisted it’s crucial that the campaign and its messages have support from EU institutions, member states and other stakeholders. And with a direct message to the region’s aquaculture producers, he said: “We see you, we value you, and we stand by you. Thank you for your work. Thank you for your passion.”
